|
New York: Goodbye Pete Sampras and Michael Chang. Hello Rafael Nadal.
The Spaniard introduced himself to US Open fans on Wednesday evening session and showed why hes wowed European tennis courts this summer to be tagged the Next Big Thing.
Nadal, the youngest player in the mens draw, outclassed Spanish countryman Fernando Vicente 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 in his Open debut and said immediately after the match: I dont think Im ready not this year. Smart, very smart for a 17-year-old.
Nadal turned pro in 2001 and broke onto the main ATP tour only last April, announcing his arrival with a shock victory over reigning French Open champion Albert Costa at the Monte Carlo Masters. Hes risen in the rankings from 235 to 45.
Hes not your typical Spaniard. Naturally, he prefers clay courts, but said hes been working on his net game, and that became apparent at Wimbledon where he reached the third round in his debut.
Nadals talent has been nurtured by former world No 1, Spaniard Carlos Moya, who has lended his coaches and practice time. They live near each other in Mallorca. In fact, Moya taught the teenager so well that Nadal beat the 1998 French Open champion in May at the Hamburg Masters!
After beating Vicente, Nadal a lefty but who writes right-handed deftly handled a small horde of autograph hunters and posed for photos with fans not much younger than himself. There werent many people asking for my autograph it wasnt any special than other tournaments, he said.
But looking at the goings thus far, that wont last long.
| 
